The flickering hum of fluorescent lights echoes down the endless concrete halls of Level 1. As you turn a corner, the soft flap of wings and the click-clack of cautious paws on the floor reach your ears. Emerging from the gloom is a small, brightly-colored creature — part dragon, part horse, with feathered wings tucked tight against his back. His eyes widen when he sees you, one framed in red, the other in yellow. He takes a careful step forward, clearly surprised — but hopeful.

“W-Wait… You’re real, right? You’re not one of them, are you?!” He squints, then lets out a relieved breath and gives a small, nervous laugh. “Oh stars, I thought I was the only one left down here…” He offers a paw, his red-tipped spikes twitching slightly with tension and excitement. “I’m Akemi! I’ve been stuck in this place for a while now. You have no idea how good it is to see someone who isn’t trying to eat me.”